Fragrant Perilla Stem Soybean Paste Salad
Best Value! A Thousand Won Wonder: Perilla Stem Soybean Paste Salad Recipe
I couldn’t resist these fragrant perilla stems sold in large bags at the supermarket entrance for just a thousand won! I immediately brought them home. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Perilla Stem Soybean Paste Salad that’s a perfect side dish for rice!
Ingredients- Perilla stems 300g
Seasoning- Soybean paste 1.5 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 1/2 Tbsp
- Perilla oil 1/2 Tbsp
- Plum extract 1 Tbsp
- Ginger syrup 1/3 Tbsp
- Soybean paste 1.5 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 1/2 Tbsp
- Perilla oil 1/2 Tbsp
- Plum extract 1 Tbsp
- Ginger syrup 1/3 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Carefully prepare the fresh perilla stems. Remove any tough, woody stems and focus on the leaves and tender shoots for the best texture. (It can be a bit time-consuming to prepare if you have a large bunch!)
Step 2
Wash the prepared perilla stems thoroughly under running water and drain. (If you have a smaller amount, you can soak them briefly in a large bowl of water before washing for an even cleaner result.) Blanch the perilla stems in boiling water for just a very short time, until they slightly wilt. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy.
Step 3
Immediately after blanching, rinse the perilla stems under cold or running water to quickly cool them down. This helps maintain their crisp texture. Drain them well in a colander. Any excess water can dilute the flavor of the salad.
Step 4
In a small bowl, combine 1.5 Tbsp soybean paste, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, 1/2 Tbsp perilla oil, 1 Tbsp plum extract, and 1/3 Tbsp ginger syrup. Mix well with chopsticks or a spoon to create the seasoning paste. The plum extract and ginger syrup help to remove any raw taste from the perilla stems and add a savory depth.
Step 5
Add the drained perilla stems to the soybean paste seasoning. Gently mix and toss with your hands until everything is well combined. Be careful not to mash the perilla stems. Your delicious Perilla Stem Soybean Paste Salad is now complete! Enjoy it with a warm bowl of rice.
